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What inspired you to start writing?
Doing family research brought to light several family stories--especially those of women--who experienced trauma and hardships. I wanted to honor them and bring peace as well to myself as I felt impacted by these ancestral traumas. My ghosts, therefore, are bases on real people and real stories.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, A Haunting at Hawthorn and other ghostly tales, completes the trilogy of the Gallagher Girls mystery series. Deirdre, Nuala and Moira, three Irish sisters, help troubled spirits find peace and closure, allowing them to move on in the afterlife.
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How do you create your characters?
Each sisters contains a bit of myself. Their names are derived from my Irish ancestry. Deirdre is an herbalist, as I am. Her knowledge of plants helps solve murders involving poisoning. Nuala is a dreamer. Her ancestors come to her in dreams, providing critical information. Moira is the one who actually sees and hears the spirits--she is my muse, what I aspire to.
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What does your typical writing day look like?
The Gallagher Girls trilogy almost required more research than writing, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I am a pantser, so I write as the inspiration flows.
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What has been the most rewarding part of being an indie author?
Connecting with readers. Going to events and talking about the subject of life after death and our connections with our departed loved ones and ancestors.
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What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your writing journey?
Marketing. I hate marketing.
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Do you have any favorite writing tools or apps?
I have a favorite book that inspired me: Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert.
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What advice would you give to new or aspiring indie authors?
Don't wait for inspiration; just write and the inspiration will come.
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How do you handle book promotion as an indie author?
Badly. I attend fairs and festivals, do book signing at local book stores, provide book kits to local library reading groups. I'm also starting up school visits to talk about my books.
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What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book?
I just finished a children's picture book, Rain or Shine, It's Camping Time, based on a family adventure that occurred when I was eight. I hope to continue that as a series as well.
